City of Evanston issued the following announcement on Aug. 20.
The City of Evanston will launch a new COVID-19 Small Business Assistance program on Tuesday, September 1 to help provide financial relief and technical support to Evanston businesses. The program includes a COVID-19 Micro-Enterprise Grant, a "Going Digital" webinar series, and small business mentorship.
Businesses are encouraged to join a kick-off webinar and Q&A session on Tuesday, September 1 at noon to learn more about this program.
COVID-19 Micro-Enterprise Grant
Grants may be used for working capital to cover the business's day-to-day operating expenses, technology, marketing, obtaining protective equipment, professional services, or other similar services.
Eligibility requirements
- Business must have experienced a financial loss due to COVID-19
- Business must be a for-profit, located within the City of Evanston (including home-based), and have been in existence on or before March 1, 2020
- Business owner's family income is projected to be below 80 percent of the average median Income (AMI)
- Business has five or fewer employees on their payroll including the owner(s)
Going Digital Webinar series
In collaboration with local digital experts, the City of Evanston is launching a series of weekly webinars to provide local businesses with insights on how to use digital tools to boost their online presence. These sessions will give businesses the opportunity to learn about various digital topics, ask industry experts questions, and network with other local businesses.
Webinar Schedule
- Thursday, September 3, noon p.m. - Getting started online 101
- Thursday, September 10, 2 p.m. - Social Media Strategy
- Tuesday, September 15, noon p.m. - Digital Marketing 101: Paid media
- Tuesday, September 22, noon p.m. - Using Data to Understand and Target Your Audience
Small Business Mentorship
Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management has partnered with the City of Evanston to provide strategic consulting support to local business owners. Kellogg alumni and students are offering pro bono consulting to Evanston business owners in high-demand areas, including digital marketing and social media, public relations, financial planning and analysis, and human resources management.
Businesses can reach out to skilled mentors via the StartUpTree platform at evanstonnu.startuptree.co to see new opportunities, find ways to strengthen their online presence, or find efficiencies to help weather the COVID-19 crisis.
For more information, visit evanstonedge.com/covid-19-small-business-program or call/text 847-448-4311. For convenience, residents may simply dial 3-1-1 in Evanston.
Original source can be found here.
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